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Sunday, September 5, 2010

Top 7 Ingredients/products to avoid

Top 7 ingredients/products to avoid

1. Parabens. Parabens such as ethyl-, methyl-, butyl-, or propylparaben, are used as preservatives in many products such as shampoos, moisturizers, soaps, exfoliants, cleansers, and deodorants. They are excellent preservatives, but this class of chemicals are endocrine disruptors. Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that mimic your own hormones. Parabens mimic estrogen and have been found in breast cancer tumors. Parabens have also been shown to stimulate breast cancer cell growth.

2. Phthalates. Numerous news stories about the toxicity of Bisphenol A, a toxic plasticizer contaminant in drinking water bottles and canned food liners, has increased consumer awareness about phthalates. Unfortunately, the cosmetic industry uses phthalates in hair spray, nail polish, and numerous other products. Phthalates are hormone disruptors and have been shown to negatively affect genital development in baby boys and reduce testosterone levels in males in general.

3. Triclosan. This antimicrobial product is found in antibacterial soap, detergent, toothepaste, fabric, facial tissue and even toys. It affects the endocrine systems and thyroid metabolism.

4. Formaldehyde Releasers. Some ingredients are formulated to release formaldehyde over time as a preservative. Formaldehyde may be a carcinogen. Ingredients designed to release formaldehyde include: Quarternium-15, dimethyl-dimethyl (DMDM), midazolidinyl urea, Diazolidinyl urea, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1, 3-diol (bronopol), hydantoin.

5. Nail Polish. The big bad three ingredients in nail polish include formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate. These three items have been removed from numerous brands thanks to the campaign for Safe Cosmetics (www.safecosmetics.org). These ingredients disrupt the endocrine system, nervous system and immune system. A slightly safer alternative, but still not great for you, is the brand name of Zoya. At least an improvement if you insist on painting your nails.

6. Fragrance. Fragrance may contain numerous hidden ingredients, including phthalates. Even a scent free may indicate the use of a fragrance to cover up another smell. Before you buy something, read the label.